A dental prosthesis is an element that is placed in the mouth to repair the structure of one or more teeth, allowing the patient the ability to regain their basic functionality and aesthetics. It can be used to replace a single tooth or all of them. It is important to keep in mind that a prosthesis is not a false tooth, but a substitute for one or more missing teeth.
There are different types of dental implantsWe will talk about them in the following:
Types of dental prostheses
- Fixed partial dentures: are used to support the remaining teeth in an area where several have been lost due to gum disease or other causes. They are more stable and safer than removable partial dentures and can be made of acrylic resin (plastic) or porcelain material, depending on what you prefer. Among the fixed prostheses we can find the following:
- Crowns: They are used to restore one or several dental pieces. They should be placed on the teeth previously worked, serving as support. For their creation, the measurements of the rest of the teeth are used, so that the size is identical.
- Fixed on implants: The structure will be sealed thanks to screws in implants previously placed in the jaw bones.
- Hybrid on implants: This involves joining the attachment of the implants to the gum surface. Acrylic materials are used to create them and the patient must go to the dentist for cleaning and repair if necessary.
- Removable partial dentures: these are similar to fixed dentures in terms of stability and security, but do not need to be cemented in place, as they are secured by clasps that hold them against their natural gum line. They are also made of plastic or porcelain materials.
- Immediate dentures: this type is intended for people who have recently lost their teeth due to trauma or injury.
Function of dental prostheses
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth, and can also be used to improve the appearance of the smile. They are custom-made, so they fit exactly to the mouth where they are placed. The function of dentures is to rehabilitate the dentition in its physiological functions, such as chewing and swallowing food, as well as to prevent pronunciation problems.
Treatment begins with an appointment with a dentist who will make a mold of your mouth, which will be used to fabricate the prosthesis. The first appointment usually lasts about an hour and a half, at which time x-rays of your mouth are taken and the options available are discussed. At this appointment, you will receive instructions on how to care for your new teeth until the final fitting.
The second appointment is usually scheduled two weeks after the first appointment. At this appointment we will make sure everything fits correctly before sending you to production. We will also give you some tips on how to care for your new teeth.
Care of dental prostheses
Depending on the type of prosthesis you use, you will have to carry out one type of maintenance or another. In the case of removable prostheses you should wash them after every meal, use mouthwash and dental floss. This will require the use of a special brush. Another recommendation to take care of this type of prosthesis is to remove them at night, so that the mouth can rest from the pressure exerted by these.
On the other hand, in the case of fixed prostheses, the accessible areas should be cleaned. The use of dental floss and a mouthwash prescribed by your dentist is highly recommended.
At B&J clinics we have the best professionals in all types of dental treatments and we guarantee the best results for your smile. Do not hesitate and contact us.
